Learn to grow an environmentally responsible, low maintenance, yet beautifully landscaped lawn by following the Nine Principles of Florida-friendly Landscaping. The Principles are designed to reduce the demand on Florida’s aquifer by minimizing the need for irrigation and to decrease the amount of fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants used on lawns which enter our lakes, ponds, and the Indian River Lagoon.

7) Recycle: Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings composted and recycled on site provide nutrients to the soil and reduce waste disposal.

8) Reduce Stormwater Runoff: Water running off your yard can carry pollutants, such as fertilizer, pesticides, soil and debris that can harm water quality. Reduction of this runoff will help prevent pollution.

9) Protect the Waterfront: Waterfront property, whether on a river, stream, pond, bay or beach, is very fragile and should be carefully protected to maintain freshwater and marine ecosystems

Take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County: The My Brevard Yard program offers workshops and personalized site visits which teach you how to create and maintain a beautiful lawn while minimizing pollutants that enter our waterways.

A recent article from the National Pest Management Association reminds us that although the weather turns cooler in Fall, it brings a new list of home pest control problems, because cold weather brings everyone indoors.

Pests such as cockroaches, ants and some species of spiders have life cycles longer than a year, meaning they need to find shelter during the winter to survive. These pests can pose serious risks to both people and homes. Cockroaches can contaminate stored food, leave droppings around the home and trigger allergic asthma, especially in children. On top of all that, some spiders commonly found around homes are poisonous.

Below are ten pest-proofing tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) that every homeowner can follow to keep pests outside during the fall and winter:

Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, and any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors, like mail slots and animal doors.

Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Pests are attracted to areas of moisture, something they need to survive.

Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool.

Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows.

Store any outside items at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery well trimmed. Removing areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chance of them finding a way inside.

Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Torn window screens and cracks under doors are an ideal entry point for household pests.

Inspect items such as boxes of decorations, package deliveries, and grocery bags before bringing them indoors. Pests can find creative ways to get inside a home.

Avoid leaving pets’ food dishes out for long periods of time. Pests don’t discriminate between people food and cat food.

Have a proper outdoor drainage system. Installing gutters or repairing an existing system will help draw water and moisture away from your home, preventing any leaks or build up that might attract pests.

The best way to protect your home and prevent any type of pest infestation during the winter is to follow these pest-proofing tips in the fall when the temperature begins to drop.